Other Methods to Change a Child's Name

Parents may wish to change their child's name for a variety of reasons such as:

1. Natural father's details to be added to child's birth registration

If your child was born in Western Australia, you have not married but would like to add the natural father's details to your child's birth registration, please see Adding father's details. A fee is required for this service. If your child was born interstate, please contact the Registry Office in the state or territory your child was born.

2. Natural parents marry after child's birth registered

If the child was born in Western Australia and the natural parents have married after the child’s birth was registered, marriage details and natural father’s details can be added. Visit adding marriage details. A fee is payable for this service. If your child was born interstate, please contact the Registry Office in the state or territory your child was born.

3. Change child's given names within 12 months of birth

Children under 12 months of age born in Western Australia can have their given name(s) changed by completing a BDM105 form (see download below). A fee is payable for this service. Only one change of this kind can be made within 12 months of the child's date of birth. If your child was born outside Western Australia, you must apply to the Registry for a change of name. If your child was born outside Western Australia, you must contact the birth state. You cannot apply to the WA Registry.

4. Change child's given names after 12 months of birth

Where your child was born in Western Australia if they are over 12 months old and you would like to change their given name(s), you must apply to the Registry for a change of name. A fee is payable for this service. If the child was born overseas, they must be a permanent resident or an Australian citizen and ordinarily residing in Western Australia for 12 months immediately preceding the application. See proof of residency information. Refer to How to register a child's change of name webpage. If your child was born in another State or Territory of Australia you must contact the birth State. You cannot apply to the WA Registry.

5. Same sex parent's details to be added to child's birth registration

If you are in a same sex relationship and you would like to add your partner's name to your child's birth registration, visit adding same sex parent's details.

6. Change child's surname

Irrespective of your child’s age, if they were born in Western Australia and you want to change their surname you must apply to the Registry for a change of name. A fee is payable for this service. If the child was born overseas, they must be a permanent resident or an Australian citizen and ordinarily residing in Western Australia for 12 months immediately preceding the application. See proof of residency information. Refer to How to register a child's change of name webpage. If your child was born in another State or Territory of Australia you must contact the birth State. You cannot apply to the WA Registry.

Last updated: 15-Apr-2019

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